Shine in the Shadows

feat. “This Little Light of Mine” intro)

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Intro – Children (soft, simple, almost a cappella)

(Distant. Slight reverb. Just kids’ voices.)

This little light of mine…

I’m gonna let it shine…

This little light of mine…

I’m gonna let it shine…

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…

(Children fade. A low acoustic guitar comes in. Slow. Minor edge. Harmonica breath. Drums brush in.)

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Verse 1

Boots on concrete, sunrise burnin’ red

Factory whistle cut the quiet dead

Lunch pail swingin’ in a calloused hand

Another long day no one’s gonna film

No name stitched in gold on my chest

Just sweat and steel and doin’ my best

They may not see it, but I know the truth

Every small thing’s preachin’ proof

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Pre-Chorus

Ain’t no spotlight over me

But there’s a fire they can’t see

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Chorus

I’ll lead without a title

Walk it straight and true

Shine in the shadows

Like You told me to

No crown, no stage lights

No headline name

Just a steady burnin’ flame

I don’t need the world to know

Who I am or what I’ve done

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

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Verse 2

Break room talk, tempers run

Shortcuts whisper, “Just this once”

New kid watchin’ how I stand

More than listenin’ to my plans

A good name’s worth more than pay

That’s what my daddy used to say

When the boss ain’t lookin’ round

That’s when real men are found

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Pre-Chorus

You don’t build a legacy

By who you say you’re gonna be

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Chorus

I’ll lead without a title

Walk it straight and true

Shine in the shadows

Like You told me to

No crown, no stage lights

No headline name

Just a steady burnin’ flame

I don’t need the world to know

Who I am or what I’ve done

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

⸻

Bridge (Outlaw breakdown – gritty, half-spoken)

They don’t see the battles fought

The prayers whispered in the dark

They don’t see the lines I won’t cross

Or the weight inside my heart

But Heaven sees.

And that’s enough for me.

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Final Chorus – Bigger, full band

I’ll lead without a title

Stand when others fold

Shine in the silence

Let integrity be bold

If You multiply the faithful

I’ll be faithful where I stand

Use these rough and broken hands

I don’t need the world to know

Who I am or what I’ve done

This little light of mine…

(Children’s voices slowly rise underneath)

I’m gonna let it shine…

⸻

Outro – Children & Full Band Softly Together

Let it shine…

Let it shine…

Let it shine…

(Music fades. Harmonica last.)